Wine Vines & Murder Signs: A Lila Bennett Cozy Mystery

by Audrey Alden

A cryptic murder. A vineyard’s buried secrets. And a silence someone will protect at all costs.

Mount Pleasant’s vineyards should be a place of peace, good wine, and summer sunshine. For Lila Bennett, it’s about to become anything but.

She’s ready to enjoy the season opener at Deepwater Vineyard—especially with her loyal Golden Retriever Finn and her good friend, Representative Alan Green, by her side. But when an employee is found dead under mysterious circumstances, strange symbols scattered around the scene, everything changes.

The vineyard owner begs Lila to help clear their name before bad publicity destroys the business. What starts as a simple favor pulls Lila into a maze of hidden messages, old family feuds, and secrets buried deep beneath the grapevines.

Using her knack for puzzles and a surprising knowledge of symbols, Lila races to uncover the truth—before someone else ends up paying the price.

With every clue she finds, the mystery twists and turns, and the quiet town she loves proves that even the sweetest vineyards can hide the darkest secrets.

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lila Bennett attends the season opening at Deepwater Vineyard, owned by her friend Charlie. She is expecting a relaxing evening with her boyfriend Alan and her Golden Retriever Finn. However, when an employee is found murdered, Lila is asked to consult with the police to solve the crime. What she discovers is a generations-old feud and family secrets that have been buried. Lila works to solve the puzzle before another body appears.

This is the third book in the Liza Bennett series. I was a little confused at the very beginning as I have not read the first two books, so I didn’t have a good grasp on the main characters. But as the story unfolded, it really grabbed my attention and I was eager to keep reading to find out the culprit. Alden has mystery, intrigue and a bit of romance throughout the book and it makes this an enjoyable read.

*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

[Tracie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a story written by Audrey Alden, and I enjoyed it. Wine Vines & Murder Signs is book three in the Lila Bennett Cozy Mystery series, and although it can be read as a standalone, I wish I had read the first two books first, simply because there are many characters to keep track of. I will admit I struggled and had to go back and forth to remember who was who. I will read books one and two and then reread this one. I guess that tells you that I liked it!
The main character, Lila, keeps getting herself involved in murder investigations, and the latest one happens at an event being held at her friends vineyard. Lila is asked to help with the investigation, and as you read along, all the clues eventually fit together to wrap up into a satisfying ending.
The author does an excellent job of setting the beautiful scene of Mount Pleasant, SC. Anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery with an adorable dog and a strong female sleuth will love this book as much as I did.
Thank you to the author for the gifted advanced review copy of this book. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

[Viktoria Krusharova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a fun time reading Wine Vines & Murder as an ARC reader.

We follow Lila as she gets tangled up in yet another puzzling case in a local winery. The story moves at a comfortable pace, letting you enjoy the warm, inviting setting without feeling rushed. The quirky townsfolk add plenty of personality, and the moments of humor balance nicely with the suspense. I especially loved the presence of the dog—he’s not just a cute cover feature, but actually adds to the story’s charm.

The mystery itself is engaging, with enough twists and red herrings to keep things interesting. That said, I did find a few moments where the plot slowed a little or certain clues were too easy to spot. More tension in those sections could have made the reveal even more satisfying.

Still, Wine Vines & Murder Signs is a cozy, feel-good mystery perfect for curling up with on a lazy afternoon. I’d happily recommend it to anyone who loves a lighthearted mistery.

[Angie Frakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Audrey Alden for an eARC of Wine Vines & Murder Signs in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a really cute and fun read! I love a cozy mystery, and this one fit the bill! This is the 3rd in the Mysteries of Mount Pleasant series, but it can be read as a standalone.

I enjoyed the murder mystery that this book focuses on - I found it intriguing and exciting to follow Lila as she amateur sleuths her way through a murder case in which her small-town friend is a potential suspect. And I’m always a sucker for a doggy best friend in a book

Definitely read this book if you want a quick and easy read with an interesting case full of of symbology and a decades-old family feud, all set in a picturesque small town!

[Giannina Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in th Lila Bennett series is a winner. Alan, Lila's friend receives tickets to the filming of a wine show at her friend's winery. Unfortunely, a body is discovered in the factory. There has been a feud between the two families that established the vine yard. While investigating the murder with the police chief we discover more about her friends and people in the community. Lila does not feel secure in her relationship with Alan. With the symbols found with the body and the feud between the two families it makes foe a wonderful mystery. This is a good standalone cozy but reading the two previous books will give good background to Lila and the town. I recommend this book as a very enjoyable read.

[Jessica Wilhoite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute, cozy murder mystery (cute, cozy + murder = oxy-moron?) from the picturesque town of Mount Pleasant, SC!

Lila is at it again, stumbling upon a murder, but this time she is actually welcomed into helping Sophia and the hunky new officer into the investigation.

There are lots of suspects, old money, and a hundred+ year feud between families claiming to own the winery where the murder took place! Throw in a tv show and some lovely *cough* tv hosts and you have a funny, quirky cozy that's sure to entertain.

4 stars

I received an advance review copy for free, from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wine Vines & Murder is a story about Lila Bennett Part Owner of a Cafe/Bookshop and her clever sleuthing dog Finn and Amy her friend and Part Owner of Cafe/Bookshop. They attended an event at the Winery when something happened. Lila helps Chief Investigator Sofia Martinez and her Assistant Christophe Dugan to look into the mystery. There are many pieces to this mystery and some linked to the past. But the final piece is surprising. Excellent story and series which I highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was soo sad and needless (the death). A young man killed right before he could propose to the love of his life. All because of GREED!!! When this ended, and I found out whodunit, I was angry, frustrated, and even more sad if that's possible. These people weren't afraid to lie, kill or mame again to feed their ultimate greed. They almost ruined several more lives with their greed. This was a very sad, compelling suspenseful read. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A film company is at a local vineyard when a man’s body is found laid, out with weird symbols around his carefully placed body. The vineyard owner asks for help from her friend Lila. Lila, with her friends Alan & Amy & her dog Finn set about trying to work out the symbols. The local police actually asked Lila for help with those symbols. Not that she can find out much. There is even talk of an ancient family feud. A very interesting & complicated case for all concerned to prove who did the deed.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila and her friend Amy have a bookstore/cafe and they are at Deepwater Vineyard when a body is found. Since Lila has helped the police on a couple of cases Detective Sofia asked her to assist. There are quite a few suspects so it is taking a while to sort through things, Christophe, the new detective, works with her a lot. Things are not what they seem in some of the suspects but after an event that almost got them killed they get the right killer.
I received an arc and this is my honest review.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The season opener at Deepwater Vineyard promised an enjoyable day for Lila, her Golden Retriever Finn and Representative Alan Go. That all changed when an employee is found dead under mysterious circumstances. When the vineyard owner begs Lila to help clear their name and protect their business, Lila jumps right into investigating. Can she sort through all the secrets and twists and turns to find the killer before someone else is killed? Great characters and an adorable dog just add to the story! A fantastic addition to this series!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well-developed mystery. Lila finds herself with another mystery to help solve. This is the first book of the series that I have read, and I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I had absolutely no idea who the villain was before the end. Lila seems to be a detailed -oriented character. She finds herself uneasy about the developing relationship with Alan. I will definitely be checking out other books in this series. Strongly recommend reading.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cryptic murder. A vineyard’s buried secrets. And a silence someone will protect at all costs. Mount Pleasant’s vineyards should be a place of peace, good wine, and summer sunshine. For Lila Bennett, it’s about to become anything but. I really enjoyed this mystery. It was an excellent read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wine, Vine & Murder Signs is Book 3 of the Mysteries of Mount Pleasant by Audrey Alden. I found this mystery to be an enjoyable story. The characters are well written and I loved Finn the Golden Retriever. I thought it was interesting that there was odd symbols around the victim. Luckily, Lila has a nack for solving puzzles. Will you solve the murder before Lila? I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Whole Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wine Vines & Murder Signs did not disappoint. Lila is such a down-to-earth, smart heroine, and I loved following her as she unraveled the mystery at the vineyard. The small-town vibe, the family secrets, and all the little twists kept me hooked. It felt like catching up with a friend while diving into a great cozy mystery. Can’t wait for more from this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cozy murder mystery staring Lila Bennett. I was happy to read Lila now has a cordial relationship with the police department and they are using her as a consultant. It was an interesting murder mystery with several suspects and I didn't figure out the guilty party till right before it was revealed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been following this series since the first installment, and I've greatly enjoyed getting to see Lila grow as a character, along with seeing how her relationships with the townspeople change. This mystery was also quite interesting, as it involved a lot of history of the town as well. It was a fun read and I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila is asked to dig into a murder on the vineyard her friend owns. Realistic warmhearted characters and a storyline that has just enough surprises along the way make this a wonderful book to read. Perfect to relax and enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family feud!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book in the Lila Bennett cozy mystery series.  A murder, an investigation and a challenging relationship between feuding families kept me entertained and engaged. I can easily recommend this book.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily reviewing this book.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila is once again in the midst of a murder mystery and with the help of Alen Green her boyfriend she has her work cut out for her as she comes to the aid of her friend Charlie and time is catching up as a dangerous criminal in on the loose. An intriguing read which had you on the edge of your seat. I received this ARC copy via Booksirans and recommend this book to other readers .

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful book.
I love Lila's burgeoning relationships, with the grumpy chief of police Sofia Martinez and her new French side kick, and also romantically with Representative Alan Green.
The mystery was satisfyingly complex.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wine Vines & Murder Signs book 3 Mysteries of Mount Pleasant by Audrey Alden is a great addition to the series. I love Lila Bennett, Finn and Amy they are awesome characters and the mysteries are so creative. Can't wait for more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila assists with the sad case of a young man who died in mysterious circumstances. There were some twists and turns as Lila finds herself in danger as she digs deeper into his death. Christophe added a fresh face to the team. This can be enjoyed as a standalone.

[Sherri Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read in the series. I enjoyed meeting Lila and her friends. The mystery was challenging and really kept me guessing! I enjoyed an advance copy of the book and these are my opinions.

[Cyndi Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is really well written. The characters are engaging and lifelike. They do what a real person would do in the situations they find themselves in. The doggo is super cute and is well trained.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lila Bennett races to solve the murder of a worker at a vineyard before there is a second murder. The murder seems rooted in a family feud centered around the vineyard. I definitely wasn’t expecting the ending. I highly recommend.

[Jodi Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lila is excited about the season opener at the Vineyard that her friend owns. When a body is found, she has to jump in to help. Along with her dog Finn, she will help the police solve this mysterious crime. This was a fun read for sure.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not an easy mystery to figure out. Put on your Sleuth Hat and have at it. Loved all the characters and, of course, Finn is very special. Highly Recommended.

[Anne Pyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! I enjoyed following the clues with Lila and Finn. Can’t wait to read more of this series!

[Julie Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the read, interesting cast of characters.